“This is a particularly timely and exciting opportunity for recent law graduates to get experience not just in immigration law, but in teaching in a world-class clinic,” said Dean Daniel B. Rodriguez.

The CFJC’s Immigration Law Project — led by Uzoamaka Emeka Nzelibe, a clinical associate professor of law — represents youth and indigent parents in deportation proceedings before the Chicago immigration court. Immigration Law Project clients include unaccompanied immigrant children, immigrant youth involved in multiple legal systems, and parents at risk of separation from their U.S. citizen or immigrant children.

“Recent executive actions have changed immigration enforcement priorities and have called for the increased use of detention and summary procedures to remove immigrants — who do not have a right to court appointed counsel — from the United States,” Nzelibe said.

“The clinical fellowship in immigration will allow the CFJC’s Immigration Law Project to help level the playing field for children and parents in deportation proceedings.”

The Immigration Law Fellow will represent youth and parents in immigration court proceedings and will assist with teaching students enrolled in the CFJC’s immigration law clinic. The Fellow will also design and participate in community outreach activities and use a broad range of strategies, including public advocacy and policy-related research, to advance the interests of immigrant youth and parents.

The creation of this fellowship represents the Law School and Clinic’s continued focus on addressing current and pressing legal issues in today’s world.

The Immigration Law Fellowship is made possible by generous donations to the Clinic Annual Fund. The fellowship is open to applicants with two to four years of immigration-related experience. Interested candidates should contact Professor Nzelibe for more details.